ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) continues to warn the public about the increasing cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and cites vaccination as the most effective way to avoid the disease.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by violent coughing fits that make it hard for sufferers to breathe. The disease is especially severe in young children and infants.
During the 11th morbidity week, from March 9 to March 16, the IPHO recorded four new cases, bringing the total number in the province to 16, with three resulting in death.
The four new cases were reported in Miag-ao, Dumangas, Guimbal, and Anilao
From Jan. 1 to March 16 of this year, the province listed 16 cases of pertussis, with three fatalities – Santa Barbara (two), Miag-ao (two, with one death), Dumangas (two, with one death), Maasin (one), Badiangan (one), Tubungan (one), Balasan (one death), Cabatuan (one), Banate (one), Concepcion (one), Pavia (one), San Joaquin (one), Anilao (one), and Guimbal (one).
The three deceased infants due to pertussis were:
* a two-month-old female from Miag-ao (suspected case)
* a 24-day-old female from Dumangas (laboratory-confirmed)
* a 28-day-old female from Balasan (laboratory-confirmed)
According to Provincial Health Officer I, Dr. Wendel Tupas-Marcelo, whooping cough can be particularly severe in infants and children.
The disease can be transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, runny nose, and a cough that typically has a whooping sound. They usually appear five to 10 days after infection but can take up to three weeks.
Infected individuals are most contagious during the first two weeks of symptoms, which resemble the common cold, including fever, runny nose, and a mild cough.
In infants, apnea (pauses in breathing) is common.
As the disease progresses, individuals experience paroxysmal coughing — many rapid, violent coughs followed by a “whoop” sound as they struggle to breathe.
Vomiting and exhaustion often follow these coughing fits, which can last from one to six weeks, sometimes extending to 10 weeks.
The condition worsens at night, with paroxysmal coughing becoming more frequent. Infants typically exhibit apnea rather than coughing during this stage, which is evident when they turn “blue” or cyanotic.
Dr. Marcelo said vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. He recommended vaccinating children at six weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks of age.
The vaccine against pertussis is part of the routine immunization schedule and is included in the pentavalent vaccine given at the age of six weeks.
The pentavalent vaccine protects against five life-threatening diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hib disease.
To prevent the spread of pertussis and other contagious diseases, Marcelo advised the public to continue practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette, wash hands regularly, isolate if symptoms are present, and consult a Rural Health Unit (RHU) or private physician if children show symptoms./PN
